Harley... well that's all retro.
Kawasaki has the W800
Honda has the CB1000, although that's debatable
Ducati has the GT and the Sport Classic
Triumph has the Bonneville and the Scrambler

So why doesn't BMW come out with a retro 60s or 70s era airhead (I'm not good on my antique BMW terminology; Rwhatever/whatever).

No one can deny that every single BMW bike currently made is ugly as fuck. They're all loaded with electronics, technology up the ass, adjustable this/that, whatever. And that's ok, if that's your thing. Might as well get an Acura.

But look at how well Bonnevilles and Sportsters are selling. They're beautiful old bikes with modern reliability. Clearly, people like simple, good-looking bikes that can do pretty much everything.

But it seems like a few years ago they made another throwback R bike, Called something like an R80 or R85. I dunno, I googled for about 15 minutes and couldn't find it. It looked a lot more like a classic airhead.

But it did exist. And obviously, it didn't sell very well.

(Unless I'm thinking of a mid 90's R100 mystik, but I think it was much newer).

The joke is... Triumph retro "makes sense" because to go back and drive an original is to drive a rolling IED. But if I wanted a retro BMW I'd track down an R90/s and... just drive it because it's still a decent bike. Guy I know uses his for his regular commuter bike in Los Angeles. (Nice one on ebay right now). Also think I read that the retro bike scene is extremely small.

The joke is... Triumph retro "makes sense" because to go back and drive an original is to drive a rolling IED. But if I wanted a retro BMW I'd track down an R90/s and... just drive it because it's still a decent bike. Guy I know uses his for his regular commuter bike in Los Angeles. (Nice one on ebay right now). Also think I read that the retro bike scene is extremely small.

But it seems like a few years ago they made another throwback R bike, Called something like an R80 or R85. I dunno, I googled for about 15 minutes and couldn't find it. It looked a lot more like a classic airhead.

But it did exist. And obviously, it didn't sell very well.

(Unless I'm thinking of a mid 90's R100 mystik, but I think it was much newer).

Click to expand...

Very nice looking bike in the flesh.

As stated before a 90s is very road worthy. But wouldn't care for the period Earls forks. iirc it could be had with'em.

Harley... well that's all retro.
Kawasaki has the W800
Honda has the CB1000, although that's debatable
Ducati has the GT and the Sport Classic
Triumph has the Bonneville and the Scrambler

So why doesn't BMW come out with a retro 60s or 70s era airhead (I'm not good on my antique BMW terminology; Rwhatever/whatever).

No one can deny that every single BMW bike currently made is ugly as fuck. They're all loaded with electronics, technology up the ass, adjustable this/that, whatever. And that's ok, if that's your thing. Might as well get an Acura.

But look at how well Bonnevilles and Sportsters are selling. They're beautiful old bikes with modern reliability. Clearly, people like simple, good-looking bikes that can do pretty much everything.

So why doesn't BMW come out with the equivalent of a Bonneville?

Click to expand...

The BMW guys seem to love their old Rs and Ks...... Under $5K and a little wrenching . A new retro K/R bike with modern tech will set you back minimum $15k-$20K and have less appeal. BMW knows their market very well. It would be a huge risk bike for them. I owned and loved the R1200C. BMW quietly calls it one of their worst selling bikes....a mistake. They will make far more money selling us the most technological advanced motorcycles while offering parts to keep the older R/K bikes on the road with absolutely no risk to them. Great strategy.